In a new “Spotlight on Locals” column, WEAC Vice President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen visits with leaders of the Beloit Education Association, who have found success in creating positive relationships with district leadership and members of the school board. “We are partners in the school district,” says BEA President Tim Vedra. “We reach out to one another when issues arise in the school district.”

WEAC President Ron Martin told WTMJ TV in Milwaukee Thursday that arming teachers is not the solution to school violence. “I think there’s some danger in creating legislation or policy that allows educators to carry guns in our public schools or even private schools for that matter,” Martin said. He said policy-makers need to listen to students who are calling for common-sense gun laws. “Our kids are telling us what needs to happen and we need to listen to them. We need to listen to them and take their advice.”

The Legislature’s Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding will hold a public hearing Monday, March 5, 2018, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the North Woods International School, N2541 Sablewood Rd., La Crosse. The Blue Ribbon Commission will hear testimony from invited speakers including representatives from the Sparta Public School District, Onalaska School District, and CESA 4. Following the presentations, members of the public are invited to speak and share their thoughts.

The Wisconsin Labor History Society’s 37th Annual Conference, “Women and the Labor Movement: The Quest for Gender Equity and Lessons for the Future,” will feature a keynote address by Annelise Orleck, of Dartmouth College, prominent historian and author of numerous studies on women and gender equity. Hear testimonies from women unionists about their workplace experiences and discuss the future role of the U.S. labor movement as it seeks gender equity. This conference is open to union members, academics, activists and all interested persons.

In response to comments Wednesday by President Trump, NEA President Lily Eskelsen García said bringing guns into schools “does nothing to protect” our students and educators from gun violence. “Our students need more books, art and music programs, nurses and school counselors; they do not need more guns in their classrooms,” Eskelsen García said after Trump, in a listening session at the White House, proposed to arm teachers and school staff in an attempt to prevent mass shootings.